How to unlock Fastboot on Xiaomi without a Mi Account: all working ways in 2026

The Fastboot bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones is the first barrier to users who want to install custom firmware, get root rights, or restore a brick after a failed update. The manufacturer deliberately blocks it by linking it to their Mi Account to prevent unauthorized tampering with the system. But what if you don't have access to the original account, the phone is bought with hands, and unlocking is critical?

In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of unlocking Fastboot on Xiaomi without being tied to a Mi Account, including official workarounds, exploits for older models and alternative solutions using third-party tools. It is important to understand that some methods may violate the warranty conditions or carry risks to the security of the device. We will describe each step in detail, point out pitfalls and provide checklists for verification.

We warn you in advance that the procedure requires technical training, if you have never worked with a person. ADB, Fastboot or tools like the Mi Flash Tool, you better consult a specialist. Mistakes in the unlock stage can turn a smartphone into a brick, and in this case, recovery will cost more than the services of the wizard.

First, determine which Xiaomi model and firmware version you have, and that depends on how you choose to use it, such as a Qualcomm Snapdragon-based device (like a Redmi Note 10 Pro or a new one). POCO X3 Pros unlock differently than MediaTek (Redmi) devices 9A, POCO M3). It also matters if the phone is global (MIUI Global) or Chinese (MIUI China) firmware.

Why Xiaomi is blocking Fastboot and can it be circumvented legally

The manufacturer enters the boot loader lock for several reasons:

• 🔒 Data security: preventing theft of information in case of loss of a device.
• 🛡️ Virus protection: Closed bootloader reduces the risk of malware installation.
• 📱 Firmware Control: Xiaomi wants users to install only official updates.
• 💰 Warranty obligations: unlocking automatically removes the device from warranty.

The official way to unlock is through Xiaomi’s Mi Account-linked website, but it requires:

1. Confirmed account (with a linked phone number).
2. Expectations of 7-30 days (depending on the model)
3. Accept risk (the guarantee is lost).

If you don't have access to the original account (for example, the phone is bought by hand), the official path is closed, but there are workarounds:

Legal alternatives:

• 📧 Appealing in support of Xiaomi with proof of purchase (check, box) Sometimes they unblock after checking.
• 🔄 Using the Mi Unlock Tool on another account (unless the phone is tied to the previous owner).

Unofficial methods (with risks!):

• 🔓 Exploits for older versions of firmware (for example, EDL Mode for Qualcomm).
• 🛠️ Hardware unlocking through test points (requires a soldering iron).
• 🖥️ Use of third-party tools like XiaomiTool V2 or MTK Bypass (for MediaTek).

⚠️ Warning: Unofficial methods can lead to total loss IMEI, on some models (e.g. Redmi Note 9 Pro with firmware) MIUI 13+) Bypassing the lock without an account is almost impossible without physical intervention.

Preparation of the device: what to do before unlocking

Before you start unlocking, follow the mandatory steps:

1. Check the status of the loader:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Down + Power before the Fastboot logo appears.
3. Connect the device to the PC and type in the command line: fastboot oem device-info
4. If you see Device unlocked: false in the answer, the bootloader is blocked.

2. Install the necessary drivers and tools:

• 🖥️ Android SDK Platform-Tools (for the purposes of ADB and Fastboot).
• 🔌 Qualcomm or MediaTek drivers (depending on the processor).
• 📱 Mi Unlock Tool (even if you don’t have an account, you’ll need a tool to check compatibility).

3. Create a backup copy of:

• 📁 Save photos, contacts and files to your PC or cloud.
• 🔐 Write it down. IMEI (dial *#06#), serial number and firmware version (Settings) → The phone).

Charge your phone at least 60% |

Install drivers for your model|

Download the firmware for recovery (in case of error)|

Disable the antivirus (it can block the tools)|

Prepare a second phone for communication in case of lockdown-->

Determine the type of processor:

The type of chipset depends on the method of unlocking:

⚠️ Note: On devices with MediaTek after unofficial unlocking may stop working Widevine L1 (no HD Netflix, Disney.+). This is incorrigible without flashing through an authorized service center.

Method 1: Unlocking through EDL Mode (for Qualcomm)

Regime. EDL (Emergency Download Mode is a service mode for Qualcomm devices that allows you to flash the device bypassing the Fastboot lock.It works on most Xiaomi models before the end of the day. MIUI 12.5, but requires special cable or hardware intervention.

What you need:

• 🔌 EDL-cable (or homemade cable with contact closure).
• 💻 Mi Flash Tool or QFil.
• 📁 Firmware in.mbn or.elf format for your model.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Connect. EDL-cable (or close the test points on the board, if you do it for the first time - it is better to trust the master).
3. Run the Mi Flash Tool, select firmware and press Refresh. The device must determine how to use it. COM-port.
4. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (10-15 minutes).
5. After the reboot, the bootloader will be unlocked, but the phone may require a link to a new Mi Account.

🔹 Challenges and solutions:

• 🚫 Sahara error: Incorrect firmware or damaged cable.
• 🔄 Phone is not detected: check Qualcomm drivers HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
• 🔒 After firmware remained binding to the account: try the method with XiaomiTool V2 (described below).

Method 2: Bypassing the lock through XiaomiTool V2 (new-model)

XiaomiTool V2 — It's a semi-official tool that automates Fastboot unlocking and custom firmware installation. It supports most Xiaomi, Redmi and other models. POCO, It requires an internet connection and a Mi Account (although there are workarounds).

Advantages of the method:

• 🔓 It works on devices with MIUI 13/14.
• 🛠️ Automatically determines the model and offers current firmware.
• 🔄 Can reset the link to the account after unlocking.

Instructions:

1. Download XiaomiTool V2 official website.
2. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (Loudness down + Power).
3. Start the tool and select Unlock Bootloader.
4. If the program requests a Mi Account, use the bypass: 1. Press "Skip" (if there is a button). 2. Go to Advanced → Bypass Mi Account. 3. Follow the instructions (may require input of data from the previous owner or use of an exploit).
5. After unlocking, restart the phone.

⚠️ Limitations:

• On some models (Redmi Note 12 Pro)+, Xiaomi 13: Account circumvention may not work.
• The tool does not guarantee 100% success – it depends on the firmware version and the region.

💡

If XiaomiTool V2 If your device does not see you, try running it on behalf of the administrator or temporarily disabling the Windows Firewall. Also check that the Device Manager displays the phone as Android Bootloader Interface.

Method 3: Unlocking through Test Points (hardware method)

This is an extreme method that is used when software is not working, requiring the phone to be disassembled and the contacts to be closed on the motherboard, suitable for advanced users or wizards.

When necessary:

• 🔒 The phone is locked to Mi Account and no previous owner's data is available.
• 🚫 EDL Mode is not activated programmatically.
• 📱 The device is not defined in Fastboot (for example, after a failed firmware).

Step-by-step process:

1. Turn off the phone and remove it. SIM-map.
2. Disassemble the case (see instructions for your model on iFixit).
3. Find test points (usually two contacts with a lettering) EDL or TEST near-battery).
4. Close the contacts with tweezers or wire, simultaneously connecting USB-plug-in.
5. The phone is called the Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
6. Use the Mi Flash Tool or QFil for firmware.

🔹 Risks of the method:

• 💥 Damage to the board in case of neat closure.
• 🔋 Loss of warranty (if the case is opened).
• 📡 Possible network problems after firmware (recovery required) IMEI).

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi) 9C) Test points are often absent. Instead, the mode is used. BROM, to activate which requires an authorized MediaTek account (it can be bought from sellers on forums).

Method 4: Using exploits for old firmware

On devices with MIUI 10-12 exploits exist that allow you to unlock Fastboot without a Mi Account. They work through security vulnerabilities, but most of them are already closed in new versions.

Current exploits (2026):

Example of using DirtyCOW:

1. Download the archive with the exploit.
2. Connect the phone in mode ADB (Turn on the debugging. USB In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (press 7 times) → Additionally. → For developers).
3. Start the script: adb push dirtycow /data/local/tmp adb shell chmod 777 /data/local/tmp/dirtycow adb shell /data/local/tmp/dirtycow
4. After execution, restart your phone to Fastboot and check the status: fastboot oem device-info If you see Device unlocked: true - the bootloader is unlocked.

⚠️ Warnings:

• Exploits may not work on firmware newer MIUI 12.5.
• After use, the device may require resetting to factory settings.
• Some exploits (such as MTK-su) require root rights that cannot be obtained on a locked bootloader.

What to do after unlocking Fastboot

Once the bootloader is successfully unlocked, your device will be reset to factory settings and all data deleted.

Installation of custom firmware:

• 📱 Download. TWRP Recovery for your model from the official website.
• 💾 Install it with Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
• 🔄 V TWRP Make a backup copy of the persist partition (it contains) IMEI communication module data!).
• 📁 Sweep through custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience).

2. Obtaining root rights:

• 🔓 Download Magisk from GitHub.
• 📱 Install Magisk through TWRP or a boot-image patch.
• ⚠️ After receiving root, do not update through OTA — This will result in the loss of the root or bootloop loading.

3. Recovery IMEI (missing):

• 📡 Use tools like Maui META (for MediaTek or QCN Rebuilder (for Qualcomm).
• 🔢 Enter. IMEI via the engineering menu (#4636## → Information → Run Ping Test → enter AT-team).

💡

After unlocking Fastboot, never accept it. OTA-Xiaomi updates! They'll block the bootloader again. Use only custom firmware with unlocked bootloader support.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Fastboot on Xiaomi